The Digital Transformation Award is presented annually by Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE) in cooperation with the SESAR Joint Undertaking. The award recognises a European airport that has successfully embraced digital technologies and innovative operating models to improve safety, capacity, efficiency and environmental performance.
According to the award jury, Helsinki Airport stood out with its highly mature, operationally embedded digital platform that delivers clear efficiency gains and strengthens operational resilience. The judges also highlighted the successful scaling of the solution across Finavia's airport network.
"Receiving this award is a great recognition for the long-term development work carried out together with the entire airport community and our technology partner Siili Solutions. Airports are complex environments where smooth operations depend on seamless collaboration between numerous stakeholders. AOS enables all parties to operate based on a shared situational picture and real-time information," says Jani Ceder, Vice President, Airport Operations Control & Insight, Helsinki Airport.
Shared situational awareness supports smoother airport operations
Developed by Finavia, AOS (Airport Operational Status) is a real-time situational awareness and operational management platform that brings together information from airport processes, passenger flows, baggage operations, turnaround processes, weather conditions, safety and security systems, and other operational data sources into a single view.
The system provides airport operators, airlines, ground handling companies, authorities and other airport partners with a common operational picture, supporting faster decision-making and more proactive management of disruptions.
Today, more than 7 000 users utilise AOS across Finavia's airport network. The system serves as the primary operational communication channel and supports the management of more than 2,500 operational events and incidents annually.
"At its core, AOS is about turning data into shared understanding and action. By providing all stakeholders with the same real-time information, we can anticipate issues earlier, react faster and use resources more efficiently. Ultimately, this means more reliable operations and a better experience for our customers," says Laura Inttilä, Senior Vice President, Helsinki Airport.
From Helsinki Airport innovation to a nationwide operational platform
Development of AOS began at Helsinki Airport in 2013 alongside the establishment of the Airport Operations Centre (APOC). The goal was to create a shared operational picture across airport processes and improve collaboration between stakeholders.
Over the years, the platform has evolved into a comprehensive digital backbone for airport operations. Today, AOS is used across all 20 Finavia airports, enabling standardised operational processes, shared situational awareness and efficient coordination throughout the network.
The platform’s successful deployment across 20 airports has also led to its adoption by other airports, further demonstrating the scalability and maturity recognised by the award jury.
The judges highlighted the platform’s successful deployment across 20 airports as evidence of a strategic and future-focused approach to digital transformation.
The AOS platform also supports Helsinki Airport's preparations for future European Airport Operations Plan (AOP) requirements and contributes to more efficient, resilient and sustainable airport operations.
Rovaniemi Airport receives international recognition for operational excellence
In addition to Helsinki Airport’s success, Rovaniemi Airport received a High Commendation from the ACI EUROPE judges in the Best Airport Award category for airports handling fewer than five million passengers annually.
According to the judges, Rovaniemi Airport demonstrated outstanding performance in a highly unique operating environment characterised by Arctic weather conditions, strong seasonality, dual civil and military operations, and demanding geographical circumstances. Despite these challenges, the airport has maintained high levels of passenger satisfaction while successfully managing rapid tourism growth.
“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work carried out every day by our teams and partners in Rovaniemi. The airport has successfully balanced strong growth with operational reliability, customer experience and sustainability, even in one of Europe’s most demanding operating environments,” says Henri Hansson, Senior Vice President, Regional Airports at Finavia.
In the images: President and Chief Executive Officer, Finavia Kimmo Mäki, Senior Vice President, Helsinki Airport Laura Inttilä and Vice President, Airport Operations Control & Insight, Helsinki Airport Jani Ceder.
Read also:
Read more here about the AOS situational awareness system.
See here the ACI Europe press release from 24 June 2026.
